June 2023

About Us

WRITERS

Brenda Dedmon

Brian Johnson

Carrie O’Neal

Cindy DuPree

Deck Cheatham

Detrick Redding

Donald Cantrell

Heather Guthrie

Heather Medley

Jonathon Wright

Karla Smedley

Kristen West

Monica Gambrell

Rick Hughes

Sandra Gilmore

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Melanie Abney

706-844-3818

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Rome

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Jodi Varnado

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome

Hello Friends,

We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Light Living in a Dark World

by Detrick Redding

Thomas Edison has been coined as an American inventor because he discovered many devices in the fields of electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and yes, motion pictures. These inventions include a camera, phonograph, and the early versions of an electric light bulb. The light bulb is probably one of the most used among everybody everywhere. We all need light bulbs. The darkness of our houses is dependent on light. The cars we drive have

5. Many have justified darkness because close family members are in it and they don’t want to hurt them

head lamps that must shine for our safety when we drive at night. Light dispels darkness, uncovers dangers, and grants clarity to those who are around. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men.” This is especially true in the world that we live in today.

The shining of our light is necessary to everyone in this world. However, many of us as believers have backed away from this responsibility for multiple reasons. Here’s a few reasons:

1. Many don’t believe their position is significant

2. Many do not even know that they are called light by Jesus himself

3. Many have conformed to the darkness because it is comfortable

4. Many are afraid to shine in fear of what others my say

Listen, there are many reasons not to shine, but the purpose of shining should be far greater in the heart of the believer. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus called us the “light of the world.” This tells me that we hold a very significant position in the heart of God and in the world that we live in. Darkness is in the world as we know it, and the ruler of the darkness of this world is actively in operation. However, God’s remedy has always been us. We are light bearers. The light of God should shine forth in and through our heart by the Holy Spirit. The enemy has given reasons not to shine, but God is still calling us to shine. We are in this world not to be like it nor to justify its frailties. We are in the world as Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. We carry a great charge. Remember the light bulb—it gives light to the whole house. There are people around us right now that need us to shine so that clarity can come, so revelation can come, so direction can come. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). I’ll end with this question: Could the glory that is to be given to the Father be hindered because we are not willing to shine in this dark world?

I know that shining the light of God is sometimes uncomfortable because you have to be different. I understand that in order to shine, you can’t just blend in with the popular. Romans 12:1-2 tells us a very powerful truth. We cannot conform to the world that we live in. Don’t second guess the light of God in you. Don’t underestimate your shining significance. The word “Let” tells me a truth that I must embrace: I must allow, you must allow, we must allow the light of God to shine forth through our lives. The world needs you to shine, and the Father’s glory is depending on you to shine.

Detrick Redding, born and raised in Rome, Georgia, is a husband to Toris and father to 4 children. Called to pastor at an early age, he currently pastors at Rally Up International Ministries in Rome, Georgia. Detrick has a deep passion for not only seeing people born again, but knowing their true identity and what is made available to all in Jesus Christ.

Showing Kindness To Others

by Brenda Dedmon

We read in the Bible, "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other just as God has been to you" (Ephesians 4:32). This verse reminds us that God loves us and shows kindness to us, and He wants us to treat each other the same way.

Kindness is more than behavior. Kindness means developing a spirit of helpfulness, as well as being generous and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything in return. The act of giving kindness is often simple, free, positive, and healthy.

In the world today people find it hard to be kind to each other. Everyone is selfish and wants everything to go their way. However, as Christians we should model God’s kindness and love to others. The way we treat others will be an example of God’s love and kindness. Think about ways that God has shown kindness to your family and how that made you feel.

This summer would be a wonderful time for you and your family to make plans to be intentional in showing kindness and love for others. Ask your parents to have a family meeting and talk about ways you could put these ideas into practice.

When you have your meeting begin to think how you would like to be treated in the following scenarios:

• A friend dropped all their candy. However, you still have your candy.

• You see your friend crying in the park. You ask why they are crying. They say “I wanted to play with the other kids, but they said, ‘No.'”

• You are in the store with your parents, and you see someone drop something on the floor.

As you discuss these situations talk about how you could show kindness to others. Talk about ways you have shown kindness in the past to someone and how that made you feel. Discuss reasons some people might find it hard to be kind.

You may also discuss ways that you can show kindness to include the following ideas:

• Bake cookies for the elderly in your church

• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter

• Let someone go in front of you in line

• Give a stranger a compliment

• Make dinner for a family in need

• Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant

• Make fun cards using markers and stickers, then deliver to an assisted living or nursing home

• Organize a craft night with your friends, then donate the final products for families in a shelter

• Go through books and choose a few of your favorite books for children in the hospital to have to read

• Go through your toys and take those you no longer play with to a homeless shelter

• Call your grandparents just to say, “I love You”

• When you are in a store, smile at everyone you meet

• Offer to hold a door for someone when leaving a store or restaurant

Conclude your family time by placing on the calendar the activities you have chosen and ways you will seek to show kindness every day.

Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid

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Secure Act 1.0 & Secure Act 2.0: The Effects on Your Retirement

Money Matters Rick Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

The “SECURE Act 1.0” refers to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act is a significant piece of retirement legislation that made several changes to retirement savings rules in the United States. Some of the key provisions of the SECURE Act include:

• Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age from 70 ½ to 72

• Allowing long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans

• Creating a new type of annuity option within 401(k) plans

• Allowing penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for the birth or adoption of a child

• Allowing small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees

• Providing for penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from retirement accounts to cover adoption expenses

• Elimination of the Stretch IRA

The Stretch IRA was a strategy used by beneficiaries of inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to “stretch” out the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over their lifetimes. This allowed the beneficiaries to defer paying taxes on the inherited assets for many years, potentially resulting in significant tax savings.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision was included in the SECURE Act. Under the new law, most non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs are required to withdraw the entire balance of the account within 10 years of the original account owner’s death. The new rule applies to account owners who pass away after December 31, 2019.

There are some exceptions to the new rule, including for certain types of beneficiaries, such as surviving spouses, minor children, disabled individuals, and chronically ill individuals. These beneficiaries may still be able to stretch out RMDs over their lifetimes.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision has significant implications for estate planning and retirement income strategies. It is important for individuals who have inherited or plan to inherit IRAs to review their estate plans and retirement income strategies in light

of these changes to ensure that they are still on track to achieve their financial goals.

“The SECURE Act 2.0” (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0) was signed into law December 29, 2022. Some of the proposed changes include:

1. Automatic enrollment for retirement plans: The bill would require automatic enrollment of eligible employees in 401(k) and other retirement plans, unless they choose to opt-out.

2. Increased catch-up contributions: The bill would increase catchup contributions for individuals aged 62-64, allowing them to save an additional $10,000 per year.

3. Expansion of eligibility for retirement plans: The bill would allow part-time workers to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans and would reduce the eligibility requirements for long-term, part-time employees.

4. Roth IRA changes: The bill would allow individuals to make contributions to a Roth IRA after age 72, remove the age limit for spousal IRA contributions, and allow penalty-free withdrawals from Roth IRAs for birth or adoption expenses.

5. Lifetime income options: The bill would require retirement plan sponsors to offer lifetime income options, such as annuities, to participants.

6. Increasing the RMD age to 73 now and to age 75 in 2034. In summary, this law has some positive advantages for people who are required to take minimum distributions. People are living longer now, and it made a lot of sense to increase the RMD form 70 ½ to 73 and eventually to 75. In my opinion this law also has some negative challenges with it due to the elimination of the Stretch IRA. In the past, your children who inherited your IRA could stretch that over 30 or 40 years, which means they would not be required to pay a tremendous amount in tax. This new law now requires them to deplete that account within 10 years, which could put them in the highest tax bracket, whatever it may be at that time.

If you would like more information on this or anything about the SECURE Act, please contact our office.

Words Of a Father

by Brian Johnson

Do your kids ever mimic you? If you have any, I’m sure the answer is yes. We all have things we say or quirks we have that we may not recognize but our loved ones see. There are several father/son relationships we see in the Bible, but one in particular speaks to the effect the words of a father had on his son.

You’re probably familiar with Solomon’s request for wisdom. In II Chronicles 1, God appeared to Solomon and said in Verse 7, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s response, in Verse 10 was, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people….” If that was you or me, most of us would probably ask for money so we could take care of our families, or ask for power because of pride or safety from someone that would want to harm us or our family. When Solomon asked for wisdom, there seemed to be no hesitation. It was almost as if he was prepared for that question. I propose that it was so easy for him because he was prepared by his father.

Proverbs was primarily written by Solomon and, in Chapter 4, he speaks about some conversations he had with David, his father. Verse 4 says, “He taught me also, and said unto me, ‘Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.’” He continues by telling us what those words were in Verse 5, “Get wisdom get understanding….” He goes on to quote David in Verse 7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” And Verse 11 says, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.” It’s obvious that David put a big emphasis on wisdom in the life of Solomon.

When a loved one has died, we tend to reminisce about the good times we had with them and the things they used

to do or the things they used to say. What would your kids say about you? Moms and dads, what are you saying and showing your kids that will have a positive effect on their lives now and after you’re gone?

In preparation for this article, I asked my kids, “If I was to die, what would you say that Dad used to always say…?” After they spent some time making fun of me for my quirks, they said that I always talk about the importance of basing their decisions on God’s word. Trust me, I’ve made my

share of mistakes, but it made me feel good to know that one of their memories of me was the importance I’ve put on them living according to what the Bible says and not their own ideas.

Our kids are always listening and looking whether you’re aware or not. Even if you don’t have any children, your words can still have a positive effect on the life of a child you’re close to. Make sure your words and your actions reflect God’s truth.

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.

Bitter Or Better?

by Cindy DuPree

My heart is for God’s women, and my desire for you is Ephesians 1:17-18. It says, “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

God has made each one of us valuable, and He desires for us to reflect His image and to know His love and fulfillment in our life. He provides strength, hope, and joy in the midst of everyday life, trials, and tragedies. We have an enemy, Satan, who doesn’t play fair. He hates us because we are life-givers and nurturers.

In 1992, my husband and I were pastoring our first church in Florida. I was the music pastor and led the women’s ministry. The church was growing, and young families were joining, several of which were expecting children. I was 28 years old and getting ready to give birth to our first child.

Finally, the big day arrived. Our son must have had a sense of humor as he decided to make his appearance on Labor Day. However, the delivery did not go as planned. After 27 hours of labor, I was scheduled for an emergency cesarean section. During the operation, my lungs filled with fluid and my vital organs shut down. I flatlined twice. The baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic

Left Heart Syndrome. This beautiful (and from all outward appearances, healthy) baby boy only lived ten days.

As a reminder of our loss, three of my sisters-in-law and several ladies in the church were having babies. Being a pastor, I would visit these new moms, many in the same hospital where I had given birth. I had to decide: would I allow my personal grief to overshadow the love I had for others? James 5:16 was my key to victory: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” With a smile on my face and a tear in my heart, I gave baby showers and chose to love and nurture others. We all have battles and tough times, but what matters is how we handle them. I chose not to become bitter or angry. I chose to believe and live out the Word of God. It was a choice. The Word of God is our help, refuge, fortress, strength, joy, and much more. The enemy is a thief and a liar and wants to take away the blessings that the Lord has planned for our lives. My husband and I now have three adult children who love the Lord. To tell you how faithful God is, my youngest child was not planned. I felt in my heart to name him Zechariah. His name means, “Jehovah God Remembers.” He was also born in the same month as our child in Heaven. Zechariah grew up to be a musician and today is my assistant worship leader in our church.

Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal

Bethel AME Church

22 Nichols Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-0019

St. James AME Zion Church

3 Maxwell Lane

Rome, GA 30165

404-307-7396

Summer Hill AME Church

1981 Kingston Hwy NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-7113

Anglican

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church

42 Ash Street

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5892

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome

3213 Cave Spring Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9551

Assembly of God

Redemption Church

105 Broadus Road NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-0277

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

4526 Big Texas Valley

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-7248

Armuchee Baptist Church

6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-3169

Berean Baptist Church

8 Skyline Dr

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-9832

Blue Pond Baptist Church

1291 Morrison Campground

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-3296

Bryant Chapel Baptist Church

24 Shady Lane

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9768

Bush Arbor Baptist Church

3290 Black Bluff Rd

Rome, Ga. 30161

770-885-0779

Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church

1021 Calhoun Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4431

Calvary Baptist Church

101 Broadus Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-1461

Cedar Valley Baptist Church

3024 Cedartown Hwy SW

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-0978

Community Chapel Baptist Church

3733 Black Bluff Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4070

Desoto Park Baptist Church

1107 Cave Spring Rd.

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-6207

Dykes Creek Baptist Church

3181 Kingston Hwy NE

Rome Ga, 30161

706-291-7790

East Rome Baptist Church

601 Cedar Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-8553

East View Baptist Church

901 Kingston Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8250

Eden Valley Baptist Church

348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161

770-608-8168

Emmanuel Baptist Church

1414 Old Dalton Rd

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-3939

Enon Baptist Church

3105 Turkey Mountain

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-5052

Fairview Baptist Church

2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE

Lindale, Ga 30147

Fellowship Rome Baptist Church

314 Burnett Ferry Rd

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-9416

First Baptist Church

100 E 4th Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6850

Flatrock Baptist Church

848 Cunningham Rd SW

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-9976

Flint Hill Baptist Church

3578 Wax Rd SE,

Aragon, GA 30104

706-232-8121

Friendship Baptist Church

2283 Calhoun Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-4803

Garden Lakes Baptist Church

2200 Redmond Cir

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-6615

Greater Mount Calvary Baptist

445 East 14th St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-5047

Hill Crest Baptist Church

2202 N Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8806

Hollywood Baptist Church

112 Lombardy Way

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6642

In Focus Baptist Church

12 N Hughes

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-8963

Lakeview Baptist Church

80 Salem Dr

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-2149

Lovejoy Baptist Church

436 Branham Ave

Rome, Ga 30171

706-232-1917

McFall Baptist Church

3011 Rockmart Rd SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5673

Mount Alto Church

1915 Huffaker Rd NW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-6222

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

E 20th St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-8777

Mount Olive Baptist Church

17 E Pennington

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413

New Antioch Baptist Church

4553 Calhoun Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-2248

New Bethel Baptist Church

Weathington Dr

Rome, Ga 30161

706, 291-8939

New Canaan Baptist Church

3 Excelsior St

Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-1984

New Hope Baptist Church

Hwy 156

Rome, Ga

706-235-0250

New Hope Baptist Church

399 Moran Lake Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-290-0507

North Broad Baptist Church

1309 N Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-2100

Northwood Missionary Baptist

4076 Calhoun Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30161

Park Ave Baptist Church

531 Park Ave SE

Lindale, GA 30147

Parkview Baptist Church

4 Wesley Drive

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4431

PisGah Baptist Church

Alabama Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4431

Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

5935 Rockmart Road SE

Silver Creek, Ga

706-235-2800

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

500 N Division St

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-0731

Pleasant Valley North Baptist

735 Old Summerville Road NW

Rome, GA 30165

706-232-6426

Pleasant Valley South Baptist

702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE

Silver Creek, Ga 30173

706-234-1841

Providence Baptist Church

17 Burnett Ferry Road SW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-0689

Riverside Baptist Church

48 Ash Street

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8114

State Line Baptist Church

8536 Black Bluff Road

Cave Spring, Ga 30124

678-988-0339

Saint Paul Baptist Church

Pleasant Valley Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5037

Second Avenue Baptist

823 E 2nd Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-3663

Shannon First Baptist Church

400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997,

Shannon, GA 30172

Sherwood Forest Baptist Church

1 Goodman Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174

Shorter Avenue Baptist Church

1410 Shorter Ave

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-8266

South Broad Baptist Church

508 South Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

Spring Creek Baptist Church

2636 Chulio Rd SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-1220

Springfield Baptist Church

113 Smith St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7217

Thankful Baptist Church

935 Spider Webb Dr

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8132

Three Rivers Church

2960 New Calhoun Highway NE

Rome, Ga

706-766-0942

Trinity Baptist Church

1728 Calhoun Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-3368

Turner Chapel Baptist Church

756 Turner Chapel Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-8682

Unity Baptist Church

2261 Pleasant Valley Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-2184

West End Baptist Church

107 Mississippi Dr

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-1971

West Rome Baptist Church

914 Shorter Ave

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-9722

Wilkerson Road Baptist Church

Wilkerson Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

Woodlawn Baptist Church

1649 Cartersville Hwy SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4171

Word & Way Baptist Church

New Rocketmart Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-8729

Catholic

Saint Mary Catholic Church

911 N Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7014

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr

Rome, Ga 20165

706-235-9190

Church of Christ

Church of Christ

108 E Callahan St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-0675

Lindale Church of Christ

3035 Maple Road

Lindale, Ga 30147

706-234-3027

Oak Hill Church of Christ

1500 Martha Berry Hwy

Rome, Ga 20165

706-291-0351

Rome Church of Christ

121 Primrose Road

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God

4974 Martha Berry Hwy

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4414

Church of God of Prophecy

94 Huffaker Rd.

Rome, GA 30165

706-528-4225

Lindale Church of God

585 Park Ave

Lindale, Ga 30147

706-232-5676

New Life Church of God

210 E 18th St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-0704

New Hope Overcoming Church of God

200 Nixon Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4695

North Rome Church of God

1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6687

Rome AOH Church of God

504 Decatur St

Rome, Ga 30165

706-295-2999

West Rome Church of God UA

2827 Alabama Hwy

Rome, Ga 30165

706-880-6895

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church

209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161

Episcopal

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church

101 E 4th Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church

308 Reservoir St NE

Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church

619 Chulio Rd SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church

614 Dalton Rd NE

Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

Cornerstone Church

324 Mathis Dr

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-4923

Renovation Church

13 Redmond Ct.

Rome, Ga 30165

706-314-9084

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-2281

Lutheran

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

3000 Garden Lakes Blvd

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-7257

South Broad UMC

546 S Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-5230

Trinity UMC

606 Turner McCall Blvd SW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-0033

Wesley Chapel UMC

9 College Park Dr SW

Rome, Ga 30161

West Rome UMC

1003 Shorter Ave

PO Box 2247

Rome, GA 30164

706-234-6214

Methodist

GracePoint Rome

43 Chateau Court

Rome, Ga 30161

Holsey Sinai CME Church

1233 Martin L King

Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7265

Lindsay Chapel UMC

9 College Park Dr SW

Rome, Ga 30161

Livingston UMC

21 E Lakeshore Dr SE

Rome, Ga 30161

Metropolitan UMC

700 Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8660

Mt Pleasant UMC

4782 Alabama Hwy

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4350

New Bethel Methodist Church

Reeceburg Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9700

North Rome UMC

706-291-6704

Oostanaula UMC

74 Battey Farm Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-292-0084

Rome First UMC

202 E 3rd Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8590

Rush Chapel UMC

1225 Rush Chapel Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-7986

Scott Chapel UMC

3 Chambers St NE

Rome, Ga 30161

Second Avenue UMC

801 E Second Ave SW

Rome, GA 30161

Shannon UMC

600 First Street

Shannon, GA 30172

706-491-7112

Silver Creek UMC

36 Reeceburg Rd SE

Silver Creek, GA 30173

706-234-2518

Nazarene

Rome First Church of the Nazarene

20 Glenda Dr

Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-5023

Non-Denominational

Access Church

1905 Calhoun Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

705-584-7497

Beech Creek Church

2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165

706-346-1018

Christian Church at Rome

2417 Shorter Ave

Rome, GA 30165

706-235-0501

Glorious New Jerusalem Church

537 W 12th St

Rome, Ga 30165

706-295-2045

Glory Tabernacle Church

300 Watson St

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-0888

Gospel Harvester Church

1246 Cartersville Hwy SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-290-9858

Greater Refuge Ministries

1604 North Broad St

Rome, GA 30161

706-622-2448

Legacy Church

524 Avenue A SW

Rome, GA 30165

LIFE Church of Rome

19 John Davenport Drive

Rome GA 30165

706-728-3166

Lighthouse Church of Rome

Lighthouse Dr SE

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-0864

New and Living Way Bible Church

59 Dykes Creek Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-233-9200

Northside Church

75 N. Floyd Park Rd.

Rome, Ga 30165

706-233-9896

Rally Up International Ministries

2460 Shorter Avenue

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561

Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle

700 Kingston Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8948

The Church at Rome

246 North 5th Avenue

Rome, Ga 30165

706-346-2733

Trinity United Christian Church

6 Deer Run Trail

Rome, Ga 30165

706-204-8270

We The Church

1818 Kingston Hwy

Rome, Ga 30161

Words of Faith Tabernacle

3134 Rockmart Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-314-9158

Orthodox

All Saints Church

615 Cleveland Ave

Rome, Ga 30165

706-378-4474

Pentecostal

Cannon Temple Holiness Church

308 Porter St

Rome, Ga 20161

706-233-9001

Christ Temple Holiness Church

1321 Martin L King

Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-3787

Victory Temple Of Joy

118 Williamson St.

Rome, Ga 30165

706-766-3865

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church EPC

101 E 3rd Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6033

Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street

Rome, GA 30161

706-530-1630

Silver Creek Presbyterian Church

6 Old Rockmart Road

Silver Creek, Ga 30173

706-234-6862

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave

Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW

Rome, Ga 30161

706-292-0067

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

2526 Cedartown Hwy SW

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4117

Cave Spring Church Directory

Cave Spring Church of God

19 Mill Street

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8348

Cedar Creek Baptist Church

5440 Black Buff Rd

Rome, Ga 30161

706-777-8360

Live Oak Baptist Church

5506 GA-100

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8566

The Empty Tomb

5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

6 Rehoboth Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3313

First Baptist Church

4 Old Cedartown Rd.

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3566

Cave Spring UMC

30 Alabama Street

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8624

Jackson Chapel UMC

301 Jackson Chapel Rd

Cave Spring, GA 30125

706-777-3750

Separation Anxiety

by Heather Medley

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Children are a gift from God, and we are called to love and care for them with gentleness and patience. One of the challenges that parents face in the early years of raising their children is dealing with separation anxiety.

separation anxiety by cultivating strong relationships between them and their new caretakers or teachers, creating an attachment community.

Gradual entry can help to slowly warm up the child and adult relationship, with trust building over time and with patience. For example, you could have the new babysitter over for dinner a few times or to play with your children while you are at home with them. In doing this, you become the bridge for their attachment. Children do best when they have adults they can turn to, and not when their peers are their best bet for comfort, contact, and closeness.

Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of a child’s development, and it can actually be a beautiful sign of secure attachment. God has designed children to be creatures of attachment, and they are not built for separation without some protest and potential anxiety ensuing. Dependency is good, and separation makes it feel at risk.

As parents, we can feel judged or overwhelmed when our children cry as we leave them, but their response is very normal. Saying things like, “You’re fine” or “Quit crying” is not helpful and leaves a child with confusion and shame. We can help our children navigate their

Children grow best when they feel the presence of an invisible attachment matrix surrounding them. When separation from their closet attachments is necessary, the best thing we can do is to give them alternative adult attachments to hang onto. However, children should not feel comfortable with people they do not know. Good attachment instincts will make a child shy away from people who are not sanctioned by their primary attachments. This helps to keep them safe and stay within their parent’s realm of influence.

It is important for us as Christian parents to remember that our children’s attachment to us and their subsequent separation anxiety is a reflection of God’s plan for human relationships. Children need the presence and support of their parents or primary caregivers to thrive and grow.

Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides in Rome with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.

Greater Clarehouse Senior Living “W

e’re here,” assures Executive Director Clarence Williams, “and ready to serve our community.” The Greater Clarehouse Living facility is open –since February 2023— with the help of Aiztirf Home Care, the onsite home care service, to serve clients of the age 55+ demographic and to build community for those who wish to age in place. Keeping the individual’s needs in focus combined with their specific expectations and selections, the team at Greater Clarehouse Living strives to provide a caring, secure place for residents and their families.

Located at 10 Hwy 411 SE, Rome, Georgia, this facility offers peace of mind to families who need some relief from stress. “We are the stress absorbers,” explains Director Clarence Williams, “We take the worry from you.” The Aiztirf Home Care staff can assist residents with activities of daily living such as personal care with medications and showers along with general care such as cleaning, meal plans, and transportation. Families can rest assured while residents enjoy full days with plans that address both safety and sustaining as much independence as residents desire. When age 55+ members of the community at large find themselves needing assistance with certain matters, Aiztirf Home Care, the onsite home care service, provides the bridge they might need to maintain a healthy balance of independence along with support.

Transportation is available for appointments, trips to local stores, out to eat, or even to the local college campus for nature tours.

With the help of Fritzia Williams and Atlanta T.O.U.C.H. in our commercial kitchen, the meal planning includes ala cart selections by the day, monthly plans for one or two meals per day, or a comprehensive meal plan for three

meals per day. “Our commercial-grade kitchen is staffed with certified personnel dedicated to industry standards,” said Mr. Williams.

Mr. Williams explains, “We listen to our residents and their desires for building community.” Aiztirf Home Care’s Activity Coordinator relies on expertise plus the input of the residents. For example, a Women’s Reading Club has recently been established from combining input of the residents as well as input from the members of the existing Bible study. Onsite features such as a library and a chapel help to further study and gatherings as well.

Games such as cards, dominoes, or bingo plus seasonal activities are also offered. Who doesn’t like to celebrate the holidays? “Just like a family celebrates the seasons and holidays, we mark the year with annual events, decorations, corresponding meals and snacks, or even music,” says Mr. Williams. “These create an atmosphere where people enjoy congregating and visiting.” An onsite Activities Coordinator keeps this community-building momentum going.

Live music is a highlight of many days. “Sometimes we host bands or groups to provide musical entertainment. Other times an individual might come to sing or to play an instrument.” Director Williams is very pleased with the activities at Greater Clarehouse Living and aims to add even more.

Safety and security are a priority with 24-hour staffing as well as a personal pendant. Calling for help is quick and easy just by pressing a button. Camera systems give peace of mind as well.

“Accommodations offered range from three layouts including one bedroom / one bathroom, two bedrooms/ two bathrooms, or a studio unit. Residents can certainly find an affordable option from what we offer, combining housing selection plus any meal plan or ala cart plans they select,” explains Mr. Williams. Leases are offered on a 12-month basis while meal plans and other services are provided on a month-to-month basis.

Director Williams further emphasizes, “We are eager to serve you. Our rates are highly competitive. Our care and hospitality go over and above what’s typically expected to meet the individual needs of each resident. Our lead team members have a combined history of more than 50 years of service. We are proud to be a part of the Rome community and have plans to include appreciation events for our

community leaders, pastors, and professionals alike.”

For more information, feel free to visit their site at 10 Hwy 411 SE, Rome, GA. Or contact Clarence Williams (404) 401-0919 or Mrs. Kristy Spann (404) 747-1524. See the Facebook page for photos and more information under Aiztirf Home Care, Inc.

Help! I’m Going Backwards!

by Kristen West

Have you ever felt like you’re going backwards in life? Try as you may to move forward, it just seems like progress is unattainable and the only direction destined for you is reverse? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve felt that way!

One of my more obvious examples comes from early on in my marriage. Anthony and I headed to the altar wholeheartedly ready to merge our lives into a blissful union, but the first several years of wedded life had us

be unpacked, processed, and thrown out. Much of who we were, as people, needed to be unlearned.

It felt like we were going backwards! I lost count of the days where I truly thought the rest of our lives were going to be spent slogging through hopeless days fraught with tension and endless nights filled with tears. We slowly began to realize that in order for God to build the healthy, strong, and unified foundation in our marriage that He wanted for us, it was necessary to deal with the toxic, bad, and unhealthy things that we’d brought with us into our union.

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen this principle in many other areas of my life—work, raising children, navigating friendships. It’s the times when I feel like I’m going backwards the most that God is actively at work uprooting and tearing down bad thinking, sin habits, and selfish tendencies in me. He’s quietly but patiently working to craft my heart to look like His and fashion and build my character to be more like Jesus. And the cherry on this ice cream sundae is found in Verse 14, “God works so that people will be in awe of Him.”

wondering when the “worse” part of “for better or worse” was going to end. We spent years at each other’s throats before we sincerely began to understand just how lovingly God was working.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven…a time to plant and a time to uproot…a time to tear down and a time to build…” (vs. 1-3, CSB).

As newlyweds, Anthony and I assumed there would be hurdles to overcome, but we never imagined we’d have things that needed to be uprooted or torn down. Ideologies, bad theologies, and a few other personal-ologies needed to

He gets the glory! We don’t. He does the incredible, life-changing work! We don’t. And, He intentionally works so that we will be in awe of Him because no one else can do what He does! If you feel like you’re going backwards today, friend, take heart knowing that God is at work! It may seem like your life will never get out of reverse, but He is absolutely working for your good to move you forward. And, there will come a day when you (and others) will be in awe of Him because of what He’s done!

Church Activities & Events

Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

Children of the Promise

June 4 | 10:30AM

5935 Rockmart Rd SE, Silver Creek, GA 30173

Victory Baptist Church

The Perrys

June 11 | 8:30AM

15 Hendrix Road, Rockmart, GA 30153

Rally Up Church

W.O.W Fearless Women’s Gathering

June 16 | 7PM - June 17 | 10AM

2460 Shorter Avenue NW, Rome, GA 30165

Rome City Auditorium

Let Freedom Sing Tour

The Nelons with Jordan Family Band

July 1 | 6PM - 9PM

601 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161

Microwave Society: Maturing Faith

by Karla Smedley

As a toddler, my oldest loved trying out new words. I remember her sitting at the table eating her breakfast. The microwave buzzer signaled, and my hot tea was ready for its daily job to wake me. She tried to pronounce the word, and while I do not remember her exact attempt, I vividly remember the next few seconds. “Honey, the word is microwave. Say micro.” She repeated successfully. Then I added the word, “Wave.” She smiled so big, picked up her little arm and waved with great vigor! That memory has been precious to me for almost 30 years! I can still see her little expression of triumph.

Microwaving Our Faith

Living in a remote-controlled world, we can easily be influenced, thinking that we can push a button, and zap our trials will be done. In addition, our mindset is often that we can microwave our faith, warming it up when hard times are upon us. When storms come crashing in, we wish we had a “faith like Daniel.” A faith that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has our back. We desire assurance that God will tame our lions in the dark dens or stand in the fires like He did with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

Misconceptions

Perhaps, our faith has not developed like Daniel and his friends for a couple of reasons.

• Are we expecting a Daniel-like faith without even being plugged into God’s word, as if the microwave would even work without its source of energy?

• Are we living a lukewarm life as a Christian while we are trying to grow our faith? Even while being held captive in a foreign land without others who believed in God, Daniel and his friends were living for God.

• Are we living for God in our ungodly world?

• Are we just lukewarm Christians, who walk in the doors of the church sporadically?

• Are we desiring to walk in God’s daily presence on Sundays during worship, but setting Him aside Monday through Saturday?

• Are we guilty of expecting God to be there for us on demand when life gets tough?

We all know the slow-cooker would be the best means for cooking a roast, not by zapping it for a few minutes. Are we believing that God can carry us through the torrential trials with microwave faith?

The Ah-Ha Bell Should Be Dinging

God allows trials for our dependence on Him to bloom and flourish. If the trial is over quickly, that dependency will not have time to marinate.

Faith Like Daniel’s

A Daniel-like faith takes time to develop. This faith boils when we study God’s word. Our trust in God’s abilities simmers when the difficulties in our lives do not resolve themselves by the push of a button. As we continue through the trial, our matured faith will sustain us, providing the needed courage, strength, and hope to continue.

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Even though microwaving is a quick fix, we must still complete steps to be successful in getting that warm dish. Developing a stronger faith through trials requires taking those steps that bring us closer to God: confessing sins, spending daily time in God’s word, becoming an active part of a local church, being encouraged by fellow Christians. With these strides, we can begin to develop a Daniel-like faith.

Karla Smedley has two grown kids and have taught over 2,000 students during the last 32 years. No matter where she lives or where she visits, she sees the need for people to know of God’s unconditional love and grace. Her desire is to encourage others through her writing and speaking. Check out the website smorgasbordofsister.com that she co-authors with my cousin Donna.

A New Life is Here for You!

Scrapbookers

by Sandra Gilmore

“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8). That verse has always fascinated me, plus it has always given me hope.

I am a scrapbooker. Blunt as it might sound, I used to think scrapbookers needed to get a life. Who has time to sit down to piece together stuff representing past days when today’s urgencies are beckoning? Now, I realize they are showing the world they really have had moments worth capturing. Scrapbooks are such works of art and labors of love. They show the significant times, the milestones of children, and the evolution of families. Scrapbookers save everything. Anything becomes fair game for a keepsake page. Little slips of paper, short lengths of ribbon or tiny, flat gadgets of all shapes, sizes, or colors can find their way into a page format.

God understands this. He keeps our prayers. The little ones we slip up to Him in between traffic lights or the ones tied together by a particular theme such as prayers for our loved ones. Even the prayers of thanksgiving offered for some trophy or triumph we have deemed important to our journey. All of these and more, He keeps. I don’t understand why, and I certainly cannot explain how. I just know from Scripture that He does.

I wonder when I get to Heaven, if the Father will pull out my prayers the same way I pull out my scrapbooks. Will He show me how my prayers began? Will He point out the times when my faith grew? Have I given Him enough to show a handsome pattern of trust and faithfulness?

Have you given God anything to “scrapbook” lately? Have you sent Him some praise in between traffic lights? Have you poured out your deep questions or asked for wisdom over challenges? He wants to hear. Share your life with Him. Scripture says to pray without ceasing. That means to develop a lifestyle of communication with the Father. He likes it when you talk to Him. He has sent all of Scripture, all of nature, and even the Holy Spirit to communicate back with you. What may seem a “scrap” of a communication to you will be significant in the Father’s hands. We are reminded from Scripture: He keeps everything!

Father, please teach me to pray and to pray without ceasing. Make the Scriptures real to me. I have caught your Word! Your Word is hidden in my heart so I may not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). I receive your presence in my life. Holy Spirit be my guide. I know your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I yield my thoughts to be in line with your Word. Take me higher, Father, to see above circumstances and to walk by faith. Amen.

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

About The Author

Faithful

Carrie O’Neal

You are Faithful no matter what they say. Your promises are kept, And you show that every day.

You never leave my side, Even when I’m untrue.

You keep waiting on me, And fill me with Your truth. My soul yearns for Your love, Lord drown me in Your glory. Guide me in all Your ways, And make my life Your story.

I want to be the me You designed, So that every part of You in me will fully align.

There is nothing better than You. And once we surrender ourselves, We know that to be true.

Life can be stormy and plagued with doubt, But You stay with us and lead us out.

Lord guide every step and every word, So that my life will be fulfilled by Your work.

Carrie is a work from home wife and mother to three children. While her college education is in English/ Creative Writing, Carrie currently works in the field of Marketing. She truly loves Jesus and wants to do what she can to spread His message of freedom, love, and hope.

The Recipe

by Deck Cheatham

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name” (Psalm 86:11).

No good Southern cook follows a recipe. For most, a recipe is a suggestion. Since my blood runneth thick with mustard barbeque sauce, I speak with authority when I say a Southern cook’s diversion connotes not simply mastery but a devilish desire to conceal. Why share secrets when you have the upper hand?

forge a trail or any other cliché appropriate to describe a species who tolerates rules but does not like them.

Are you willing to go where God is leading you? Are you listening to Him? These are the questions I continue to ask myself. The reality convicts me. Too many myriad ways do I resist Him manifest through subtlety and intention. Too easily do I respond by saying, “Wait a minute, you want me to do what? You want me to go where? Uh, no thank you, I’m just fine where I am doing what I’m doing. Why don’t you get old Billy to do it. He’s better suited, and besides, my calendar is full for the next twenty years.”

My wife’s grandmother, Mamoo, was such a cook. Sweet and demure, a true Southern lady, she could never repeat her recipes when asked or admit to ingredients each family member knew was in the mix. I offer into evidence her Hoe Cake (having nothing to do with Johnny Cakes or slang) recipe, a delicious blend of whole wheat flour, white flour, baking powder, salt, oil and milk, proportions suggested, mixed, patted into shape or rolled (a little), baked, biscuit sliced and buttered while hot. Mmm, Mmm, them Hoe Cakes are good eatin’ (even better toasted), trust me, they have graced my taste buds.

Following is not a Southern trait, and for that matter, it’s not a human one either. We like to go our way, carve a path,

Doesn’t God wish to take His children to the same place, to love Him more than their own desires, to believe Him more than their own doubt, to receive Him with an undivided heart? But first, to go where God leads, to follow Him, His children must offer, as the Psalmist says, the sacrifices of a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. And so offered through life’s oven, knowing God, being known by God, the knowing revealed by abiding in Him prepares His children to go where He leads. True men of God recognize His presence, His working in this world, His living amongst us and live in His peace. God’s truth binds us to Him like a good recipe.

Time exhausts much of life. But life cannot exhaust God, His love for us, His desire for us to be bound to Him, to follow Him. And once bound, following becomes more desirous than our wish not to. You don’t need a recipe for that.

“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, NKJV).

Pay Attention!

by Monica Gambrell

Many of us, at least the stubborn ones, have developed certain habits as a result of having a bad habit that we corrected. We are a stubborn people. Okay, maybe I should be saying I am a stubborn person. Maybe other people don’t have such a hard time changing their habits. In one such case, it was my husband and I who slipped up—and the whole family was there to witness it.

It may seem silly to some, but we had a favorite bowl in our household. It wasn’t an heirloom and it wasn’t expensive. It was a simple, ugly green, plastic mixing bowl. My mother had bought it for my husband because he was a fantastic biscuit-maker. This bowl was about 22 inches across and maybe eight or nine inches deep. It had a groove in the underside with a rubber insert that made it grip the counter as he mixed the dough. It got most of its use though as our family popcorn bowl. Many times, after baths, we would put quilts down on the floor, pop in a video, and I would make popcorn on the stove top the old-fashioned way. The children would dance beside me as I sang “the popcorn song” to the popping corn. I would then dump it into that magical bowl and the children would all share in the warm, wonderful treat.

before bed. I wasn’t really worried because we had a rule in our house that we should open the oven door and check before turning it on (just in case there was a pizza box in there). Apparently, my husband did not pay any attention to that household rule and turned the oven on without checking. You know how cartoons show someone’s anger by the steam escaping from their ears and nostrils? From afar, our house must have looked like that: smoke escaping from every orifice. There were flames, and a real concern for it spreading. A normal person would have reacted with panic and frenzy, I could only envision the cartoon face and couldn’t stop laughing.

PAY ATTENTION!

Earthly issues have varying degrees of outcomes when we don’t pay attention—some serious, and some not. If we would pay attention, things would possibly go awry less often. But when it comes to paying attention to God and His Word, it is no laughing matter.

Pr. 4:1— “Listen, my sons, to the instructions of a father, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding.”

Is. 48:18— “If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Occasionally, there was a bit of popcorn leftover and I would put it in zippered bags for another time. One particular night I failed to store the popcorn properly. I left it in the big green bowl and slipped it into the oven

Father God, paying attention to You is of utmost importance. Like Peter, we sometimes take our eyes off of You and get distracted by our circumstances. May we keep our eyes focused on You at all times, and pay attention to You now more than ever before.

Take A Spin

by Heather Guthrie

Do you wash your clothes before you put them in the washer? No, I don’t think so. Then why do you think you should clean yourself up before you talk to God? If I had to get myself cleaned up before I talked to God, I would never talk to Him! Ever! I know it’s a struggle when we are hurting and feeling worthless, along with many other things. Jesus wants us to come boldly before Him! Bring every single piece of our hurt and heart to Him. Gosh, if we just knew how much He loved us.

them. You turn on the settings you need and put in some detergent. Tell God what you need and let Him handle giving you what you need.

Ummm…I don’t always like that part. You know, the letting Him be God part. The water fills up at certain points and rinses. Just like the water rising and falling, that’s how life is at times. Sometimes we are in a valley, and sometimes we are on the mountaintop. The in-between always makes room for the cleaning of our hearts. The actual washing is the main part. During the washing, the dirt comes off. Not always gently either, even if you do have it set on that setting.

I try to go every direction under the sun except Him at times. I try to do it on my own. I don’t think He wants to put up with my problems again. Especially the same ones that I have a hard time giving to Him. That is a lie from Satan. Really? Think about the washer. The washer has certain steps it goes through to wash the clothes properly and they are typically in order. Wash, rinse, and spin. When you put your articles in the washer, you just toss them in a sort of way they can be balanced. Why don’t you just toss in your requests and let God handle them? Don’t even try to arrange

Some things are harder to clean off than others. That’s our doing, not God’s doing. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of the dirt. That, at times, agitates us because we want to do it ourselves. I don’t want God’s help all the time. I don’t want Him seeing the dirty parts of my heart. I don’t want anyone seeing those parts. The thing is He made our hearts and He already knows everything that is in there. He knows when it needs to be washed, rinsed, and spun. Again, we have to make the choice to let Him do all this completely. Just like we make the choice to start a load of laundry. He is working in our hearts all the time, but when we make the choice to let Him and come before Him, He will completely clean us. Laundry is a continual cycle, and so is growing in the Lord.

Heather Guthrie, daughter of the King dancing in the deep and encouraging others with truth. She loves to meet people where they’re at in ministry. She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

How In the World Did He Do That?

by Jonathon Wright

We all know the story of how Jesus walked on the water. And it is quite amazing. But I would like to tell it from John’s perspective. He adds some interesting details not found in the other Gospels. See John 6:16-21.

We all got into the boat. It was already late. We waited for as long as we could. But Jesus was not coming. I did not like leaving without Him, but Jesus told us He would catch up. So, we started rowing. After we rowed about three miles, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind and the waves made it hard to maneuver the boat.

We were miles away from land, and I wondered if we were going to have to swim to shore. It was dark. I could not see a thing. But out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something hovering above the waters, it was getting closer and closer. It looked like a ghost. I didn’t believe in ghosts, but the closer it got, the more scared I became. Finally, the familiar and comforting voice of Jesus rang out. “It is me. Do not be afraid.”

Man, was I glad we let Jesus into the boat. The storm immediately stopped. The next thing I knew, we were at our destination. How in the world did we travel that many miles in a split second? How in the world did He do that?

The Surprising Nature of Miracles

Many times, God’s miracles are surprising. The Bible has many stories of God doing impossible things. God can do more than we can ask, think, or imagine. See Ephesians 3:20-21.

This verse got me to thinking, how in the world did I make it to college and find a wife? I spent most of my life in a single-parent home. My mom did not make a lot of money, so I had to work to help support the family. I did not have much money or time for a social life. But when I was in my 30s, the Lord made a way for me to go to college, where I met my wife.

I also wondered how in the world I became a writer after working for almost 40 years in the grocery industry. After graduation from college and starting a family, I knew God had a call on my life, but had no way to make it happen. I struggled to understand or know how to fulfill God’s call on my life. But God made a way. John’s miracle happened in an instant. My miracles took a little longer, but God still did some amazing things.

I would like to close with some recent things that God has done in a friend’s life. I will not mention his name, but my friend had a family member who could not get a job and was struggling with addiction. He asked our prayer group at North Cleveland Church of God to pray for his family. It was a very trying ordeal that lasted for many years. His family member finally got the help he needed. And I have news that he has been clean and sober for almost a year now. He even found a job and got back into the church. When I heard this, all I could say was, “God did it again.” His miracles often make me say, “How in the world did He do that?”

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference. helpcommunityshare.com

Just Keep Swimming

by Donald Cantrell

In the famous kid’s movie, “Finding Nemo” we find Dory telling Marlin, the father of Nemo, that when life gets you down, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” I think that the movie “Finding Nemo” is much like life, as we find ourselves facing predicament after predicament. As we face those things, we can either allow them to bog us down, or we can just “Keep swimming.”

Much like Nemo, we may find ourselves stuck in some sort of fish tank, but we must strive to overcome each and every situation. Most of the things that you are worried about today will not amount to anything and a month from now you will have forgotten them. The funny thing about

and numerous other oceanic encounters, Dory prodded Marlin to swim onwards.

I will never forget the day I began to clear off our land. I began with a bush axe and a machete, thinking I would clear off a bit of brush, because it hindered me from mowing the edge of my yard. When I first began, I encountered a few yellow-jackets that had made nest in the ground. Then I encountered various nest with bumblebees, but I just kept on swinging that machete and bush axe.

It took me about five years to clear that land off and as I began to gain ground, I bought a “Stihl” chainsaw and began to really gain ground. In time I had cleared off so much land, it was time to bring in stump grinders, bobcat dozers, and eventually a big dozer. Now it takes me around three hours to mow and I have had to upgrade my mower several times. I heard a story of a guy winning a contest and his prize was getting to eat at a world-famous restaurant. Upon sitting down to order, the man was told that for his prize he was awarded a cooked elephant by a world renown chef. The man was aghast as he asked the waiter, “How in the world does a guy go about eating an elephant?” The waiter winked and said, “One bite at a time.”

Dory was that she had short term memory loss, so she could easily forget those situations.

Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”

The Bible clearly teaches us that worry does not solve any of life’s problems, it only hurts our health and clouds our sanity. I have found that rather than worry about the “fish tanks” of life, we just need to press on. Just as Dory and Marlin faced various sharks, jellyfish,

Some of you have seemingly been scooped up and placed in an unwanted fish tank and you are a bit rattled, seeking a way out. Let me give you some of the best advice in the world:

“When life gets you down, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

Donald Cantrell is a lifelong native of Murray county and has been pastoring and preaching since 1980. He has had the honor of publishing over thirty books and his sermon material is sold all over the world by various online companies. If you visit his house any weekend in the fall you will find them watching the “Florida Gators or the New England Patriots… Chomp Chomp.”

“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU, AND GUIDE YOU AS TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.” —MICHAEL MINTER

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rome, Georgia, is enthusiastic